Mike Rutsey, QMI Agency

It can appear on the field as a clutch hit late in the game, a perfect throw to the plate or an up-against-the-wall circus catch.

It can also come in quiet times, like one-on-one conversations.

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista has done all that and more this season, the clear cut leader on a first-place team.

The other day, in a post-game scrum with Kevin Pillar, the hero of Monday’s victory thanks to his RBI single in the ninth inning that supplied a walkoff win over the Minnesota Twins, the young outfielder spoke of how earlier in the day Bautista spoke to him about the hardships of being a part-time player, offering advice and a pep talk rolled into one.

Leadership or lack of same wasn’t an issue in Tuesday’s game against the Twins.